Steelers’ Keith Butler on Josh Allen: “There is a price to pay” for QBs who “want to be treated like a running back”

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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin can clearly describe the howitzer of a throwing arm possessed by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

“His arm talent is exceptional,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “His mobility, especially for a guy of his size and strength, is exceptional. He came out of his pocket and really created some problems for us a year ago, but he’s practically doing it week after week. His mobility, his ability to extend plays is an important component of his game and their game. They flaunt you and challenge you in this way, highlighting that element of their game. ”

For a first-hand account, ask new Steeler Joe Schobert. The former Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns linebacker played against Allen. He knows what that “arm talent” looks like on the pitch at full speed.

On Wednesday, Schobert recalled making a proper reading to close wide receiver Cole Beasley, who sat on a route between hashes.

“I saw (Allen) watching him,” Schobert said with a laugh. “I took my break because his arm was moving and the ball came in before I could even dive.”

The strength of Allen’s arm was never in question. But, coming out of the draft and his first year in the NFL, his accuracy was. Those worries have diminished significantly in his first three seasons, with the quarterback’s completion percentage dropping from 52.8% in his 2018 rookie season to 58.8% in 2019 and 69.2% in 2020. – the fourth best among qualified passers in the NFL.

Allen’s improvement in accuracy was also reflected in a 37-10 touchdown to interception ratio last season.

“He’s gone from a gunslinger, flamethrower his rookie year to a guy who really understands X’s and Bones,” Schobert said. “You see him putting the ball accurately to his receivers when he’s in motion. He’s really grown in his understanding of the game and he knows the staff around him.

It’s not just Allen’s throwing ability that gives defenses adjustments. As Tomlin mentioned, he is also a good runner. At 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, Allen isn’t just a jammer. He’ll run inside, absorb the touch and serve it.

“He’s a north-south runner,” Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward said Wednesday. “Once he comes down the slope, he’s going to bleed you and kill your defense.”

Allen had 38 first runs last year. Lamar Jackson (56) and Cam Newton (55) were the only AFC quarterbacks with more. Additionally, Allen’s eight rushing touchdowns only followed Newton’s total of 12 among AFC quarterbacks.

However, slowing down Allen as a runner is a challenge Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler wants. In fact, it almost looks like he’s challenging Allen to run as often as possible.

On Thursday, I asked Butler about Allen’s running style which – to Heyward’s point – is more direct and physical than many other quarterbacks who try to gain yards through speed and wobbling.

I asked Butler if his defenders prepared for Allen to finish his attempts to rush like a running back.

“I hope he tries to finish his runs like a running back. We will treat him like a running back. If he wants to be treated like a running back, so will we, ”said Butler.

Butler added that Allen’s size and physique reminds him of a young Ben Roethlisberger.

“And you don’t see Ben running as much as you used to, do you?” Asked the butler. “It’s an important job. And if you’re going to run the ball, this ball is getting a lot of attention in the National Football League. There is usually a price to pay. So we’ll see what happens in the game.

These quotes are – as you can imagine – very good in Buffalo.

On Friday’s “Breakfast with Benz” podcast, Sal Capaccio of WGR in Buffalo joins me to talk more about Allen, the Bills’ chances of making it to the Super Bowl, and all the improvements the Bills have made since. their last loss in the AFC Championship game in Kansas City. year.

Listen: Tim Benz and Sal Capaccio talk about the Buffalo Bills – from quarterback Josh Allen to their Super Bowl chances

Tim Benz is an editor for Tribune-Review. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via Twitter. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication, unless otherwise specified.



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